Barcelona 2 Manchester United 2: Europa League tactical analysis

Two giants of European football played out an entertaining draw in rather less glamorous surroundings than they are used to, as this Europa League playoff first leg ended in stalemate. After a goalless first half in which both sides spurned good opportunities to take the lead, the game came to life after the break with Marcos Alonso heading home from a corner. The in-form Marcus Rashford then scored one and created another, before Raphinha's cross evaded everyone in the box and nestled inside the far post to make it 2-2.

Both managers sprung a surprise with their team selection before the game. Xavi fielded Alonso at centre-back, and Erik ten Hag played Luke Shaw in central defence and Wout Weghorst in a deeper position than we are accustomed to seeing him.

Here, we analyse exactly what the managers did, and where each team got the better of their opponents in the first leg of a tie that remains very much in the balance.   

In possession: Barcelona

Progress down the left

Barcelona used a 4-2-3-1 shape to begin with, but Gavi moved inside from the left wing regularly, creating space for left-back Jordi Alba to overlap. Gavi then operated as a second number eight in the left inside channel, with Pedri supporting centre-forward Robert Lewandowski on the other side (below). Frenkie De Jong and Franck Kessié formed the double pivot, and they linked a converted back line of three to the two eights between the lines. Raphinha held the width on the right, and was locked in an enthralling individual battle with United’s left-back, Tyrell Malacia, throughout the first half. However, it was through Alba that most of Barcelona’s play went. Bruno Fernandes mostly failed to track him, as Alba posed a threat with his crossing from deep inside United’s half.

United’s high block

United converted into a 4-3-3 block when defending, with Wout Weghorst and Fred tightly marking the two players in the hosts’ double pivot (below). Casemiro covered Pedri, while centre-forward Marcus Rashford attempted to lock the ball on one side, up against two Barcelona centre-backs. Rashford’s pressing was more effective when working with Jadon Sancho on United’s left, with Barcelona right-back Ronald Araújo not as keen as Alba to step out with the ball and progress into United territory.

Lewandowski dropping

Lewandowski dropped to provide a key out ball for the hosts, who faced a more aggressive press from United after the break. Rashford jumped out to press Marc-André ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal more often, and the United defenders followed their direct opponent well into Barcelona’s half. Whenever Lewandowski managed to secure the ball, Barcelona progressed up the pitch well. Runs through the inside channels from Gavi and Sergi Roberto, who had replaced the injured Pedri, took players away from Lewandowski, who could then look to switch play (below). They often did this and found Raphinha on the right in acres of space to drive forward. Araújo then made overlapping runs for the first time in the game, as the hosts grew in confidence. However, whenever Raphaël Varane won his duel with Lewandowski, United attacked on transition, with Rashford a constant threat in behind.

Xavi’s changes

Xavi introduced Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde to his team’s left side after Barcelona had gone behind. Jules Koundé was moved to right-back, which meant both wingers had better and more consistent support, mostly through overlapping runs (below). Gavi and Roberto then acted as number eights ahead of single pivot De Jong, with Barcelona now in a 4-3-3. Raphinha in particular benefited from the change, and he was a key threat in the second half, combining with the eights or crossing for Lewandowski. Fati also added a goal threat from the left, and his movements inside created space for Balde to receive switches of play after United overcovered on their left to try to deal with Raphinha. A period of pressure for Barcelona eventually told as Raphinha’s cross flew into the net.

In possession: Manchester United

Build shape

United converted into a back three during their build-up, with left-back Malacia moving higher, and Luke Shaw moving across from left centre-back. Casemiro operated as a single pivot, with Weghorst used in midfield (below), as he was towards the end of United’s recent win over Leeds. Rashford provided direct runs in behind the hosts’ high defence, with Sancho inverting to provide support for Weghorst, who was the target of direct balls forward, before then looking for Rashford. Bruno Fernandes played on the right side, providing width throughout the first period.

Playing over Barcelona’s first line

The visitors were happy to play over Barcelona’s first line to get into the opponents' half, with Weghorst an aerial target around Barcelona’s double pivot (below). Fernandes and Sancho briefly swapped sides, but the change made little difference to United’s overall structure. Rashford continued to pose a threat in behind; he also rotated well with Weghorst, who went through on goal but fluffed United’s best chance of the first half when one-on-one with Ter Stegen. United’s attacking unit of five underneath Rashford won plenty of loose balls. That helped provide a base for them to attack from, on the back of long balls from David De Gea or the back three.

Unplayable Rashford

Rashford’s off-the-ball runs, individual dribbling and ability moving across Barcelona’s back line proved key in United’s second-half performance. He got the better of each defender he faced, and benefited further from Weghorst and Fred’s movements around the hosts' double pivot. The forward also profited from the home side’s increasingly expansive back line; he found pockets of space in which to receive on the move and drive into the space behind (below), as he did to score the equaliser. The width and runs provided by Sancho and Fernandes also ensured Rashford could isolate one of Barcelona’s central defenders often. Rashford also played a key part in United’s second, receiving short from a corner, beating his man and crossing low to force an own goal. It was another sensational display from United’s most in-form player.

Attacking transitions

As the game wore on, United looked most threatening on transition. Their three in central midfield transitioned forward after midfield regains with quick bounce passes and combinations, with Casemiro in particular playing away from pressure well to avoid Barcelona’s counter-pressing. Rashford then continued to threaten in behind, while Wan-Bissaka joined Fernandes on the right with forward runs from full-back. Barcelona reacted to going behind by pushing forward, but United’s transitions from deep exploited spaces the home side left as they pushed extra players forward. This helped United gain territory and manage the game, as they went on to secure a draw that should make them favourites going into the second leg.

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